Emergency mode

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THE Government has declared a state of emergency in the four provinces worst hit by Monday’s earthquake, and allocated K450 million for relief operations and restoration of services.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill also announced the formation of an emergency disaster restoration team and the establishment of a restoration authority yesterday.
There will be an emergency sitting of Parliament to table legislation to enable the establishment of the authority.
The date will be announced by Speaker Job Pomat.
The 7.5 magnitude earthquake which hit at 3.34am on Monday extensively damaged homes, infrastructure and gardens in Hela, Southern Highlands, Western and Enga.
“This is an unprecedented disaster in the Highlands region and the appropriate response is underway by the Government,” O’Neill said.
“A state of emergency has been declared to expedite the restoration of essential public services including healthcare, schools, roads, airports, power and communications facilities.”
He said the K450mil would cover disaster relief, service restoration and the rebuilding of infrastructure.
“An emergency disaster restoration team led by Dr William Hamlin, as the Emergency Controller, will manage and co-ordinate all restoration activities, working with provincial authorities,” O’Neill said.
“The emergency disaster restoration team will be supported by Department of Works and Implementation and other government agencies.”
The restoration authority would manage reconstruction efforts over a four-year period to restore normalcy.
Relief efforts are already underway with further assessments provided to focus operations on areas where people needed assistance the most.
“Members of the PNGDF and disaster officers were dispatched to the affected areas immediately following the earthquake, and are working with provincial authorities, particularly with the governors of Hela and Southern Highlands,” O’Neill said.
“Essential government departments are already delivering relief. We are further working with partners in the international community to use specialist relief capabilities to reach our people and communities affected by the earthquake.”